K1-12 is an education system implemented as per DepEd Order Nr 73, s. 2012 where our old system of education which is from six years elementary plus four years highschool level has been change into K1-12Program.The additional two years is proposed in preparation for skills development and specialization (vocation/technical skills) in order for the student to have an option later on whether he/she will continue tertiary level or get a job.
Having mastered vocational/technical skills after two (2) years of specialization is an advantage for every student because he/she is now able to get a blue collar job within or outside the country. Unlike the old system, when applying for a job abroad, the applicant needs to undergo schooling first to comply the basic education requirement needed by the job. Furthermore, a college graduate in the old system is categorized only as high school graduate specifically on US soil; thus even our college graduate needs to undergo schooling before a job is laid for them. Through K1-12 education, our students are not only able to compete globally but most of all, they are now equipped with needed skills to survive the challenges of life whatever endeavor they will choose in the future.
The introduction of K12 Education system, though it is advantages, there are also some disadvantages that has been noted during its implementation. Our country which is under the third world country has below average level in terms of economic condition. To date, the problem of our education is focused on how to accommodate and satisfy the millions of students who are yearly increasing. Reality wise, our schools to include private schools are not well-equipped in terms of facilities, learning/educational materials and educators as well. However it will not hamper the new system of education instead it will be a challenge to the national government to support the k12 program.
Our country has been noted and known to be the sourced of labor forced not only in the region but also in the Middle East as well in the European countries. The new system of education, K1-12 program will enhanced the knowledge, skills and abilities of our students to be competent in their endeavors in the future. These new system of education will be a challenge not only to the government but also to the Pilipino people to have a political will in order to have an effective education in our country.
As a developing country, education is one of the most important armed to equip every Pilipino with basic learning process to prepare them to a modern system of technology. The K1-12 is a modern education program that will greatly sustain the continuous learning of every student and it needs the support both parents and the community.
By: JOSEPHINE P. SARMIENTO MT. VIEW, MARIVELES, BATAAN
